In praise of the Evora
Discussion
I’ve had my na Evora for 18 months now and seem to be enjoying it more with each drive. I’ve not had a load of performance cars but road holding and, in particular, steering feel just seem so well judged. A friend was recently trying to convince me to move over to a Z4 M Coupé - his main argument being that once the brakes, seats and suspension were sorted it would be spot on. The Evora has quality in these areas from factory.
So, for the owners and ex-owners, am I getting a bit carried away? What have people gone on to that has offered more in the above areas?
So, for the owners and ex-owners, am I getting a bit carried away? What have people gone on to that has offered more in the above areas?
I've had a Z4M, convertible not coupe. Also had an E46 M3 coupe which it shares it's very characterful S54 engine with.
The Z4M is a good car, in it's own way. Going to give you a very different feel to the Evora though. Very engine dominated by that lovely straight six scream, drives well but with nowhere near the finesse or subtlety of the Lotus. Feels almost muscle-car-ish in manner maybe? One thing I could never get over though was that the steering wheel is just slightly too thickly rimmed to be comfortable! An odd complaint but one that really nagged at the experience.
There's varied opinion on the alternatives to the Evora. Some people will say that the various 911 options or Caymans are the natural competition, others will say that it's a different prospect from an ownership / practicality / hand built vs. mass produced etc. and that things like the Noble or TVRs are a better "peer group" to consider.
Personally I'm of the view that there are only really two ways you can beat an Evora on handling and drive quality: by going to more focussed things like Exige, Elise, Caterham, Ariel etc. which compromises the GT / practicality. Or you have to go up a price class towards McClaren-y type things.
Neither of those things worked for me, which is why I spent AAAAAAAAGES lusting after Evoras and finally securing one earlier this year. It will likely / hopefully be the car I nurse through to the end of petrol.
The Z4M is a good car, in it's own way. Going to give you a very different feel to the Evora though. Very engine dominated by that lovely straight six scream, drives well but with nowhere near the finesse or subtlety of the Lotus. Feels almost muscle-car-ish in manner maybe? One thing I could never get over though was that the steering wheel is just slightly too thickly rimmed to be comfortable! An odd complaint but one that really nagged at the experience.
There's varied opinion on the alternatives to the Evora. Some people will say that the various 911 options or Caymans are the natural competition, others will say that it's a different prospect from an ownership / practicality / hand built vs. mass produced etc. and that things like the Noble or TVRs are a better "peer group" to consider.
Personally I'm of the view that there are only really two ways you can beat an Evora on handling and drive quality: by going to more focussed things like Exige, Elise, Caterham, Ariel etc. which compromises the GT / practicality. Or you have to go up a price class towards McClaren-y type things.
Neither of those things worked for me, which is why I spent AAAAAAAAGES lusting after Evoras and finally securing one earlier this year.
It will likely / hopefully be the car I nurse through to the end of petrol. Edited by Ryvita on Wednesday 15th March 13:19
Interesting insight, thank you for taking the time to type it out. I wasn’t seriously considering a Z4MC as an alternative but thought it interesting that the necessary upgrade areas were ones that the Evora nails. You make a good point about the relative strengths of the engines - I’m increasingly tempted by some aftermarket manifolds to close that gap.
I think I agree on the two alternatives - lightweight or expensive. I actually have an S2 Elise as well but do seem to have got to the point where I prefer to drive the Evora. Hard to believe, I know. There are a few on the forum who have gone from Evora to McLaren so perhaps they’ll be along in good time to share their views.
I think I agree on the two alternatives - lightweight or expensive. I actually have an S2 Elise as well but do seem to have got to the point where I prefer to drive the Evora. Hard to believe, I know. There are a few on the forum who have gone from Evora to McLaren so perhaps they’ll be along in good time to share their views.
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Until earlier this year (when I was lucky enough to buy an S for the price of an NA), I had been planning on getting an NA and doing this to it eventually. By repute, results in a car that is almost as quick as an S but lighter and lower CoG.
Until earlier this year (when I was lucky enough to buy an S for the price of an NA), I had been planning on getting an NA and doing this to it eventually. By repute, results in a car that is almost as quick as an S but lighter and lower CoG.
Edited by Ryvita on Wednesday 15th March 14:35
I owned an Komotec-tuned S1 Evora S and currently own a Z4M which has been tweaked to handle properly.
The Evora had massive sense of occasion, incredible feel through the primary controls (everyone knows about the steering but it was the brake pedal feel I found especially astounding) and excelled at both GT and sport use whereas the Z4M is definitely more GT even with my tweaks that make it substantially sportier.
What I didn't like about the S was the pedal box position which left me with a dead right leg after two hours, and the high CoG with the supercharger at eye level. When pushing on I was always aware of the lump on top of the heavy iron lump. And while the Toyota V6 isn't bad for what it is, it pales in comparison with the mighty S54.
The Z4M also costs about half that of an NA Evora to buy, so it's not totally apples to apples. A V8 R8 is perhaps a closer comparison in terms of price point at least.
My Evora taught me that on balance I prefer the Porsche philosophy of getting the weight distribution right via boxer engines etc. even though they use inferior McPhersons, versus the Lotus approach of expensive double wishbones but flawed weight distribution, in the V6 supercharged models at least.
The Evora had massive sense of occasion, incredible feel through the primary controls (everyone knows about the steering but it was the brake pedal feel I found especially astounding) and excelled at both GT and sport use whereas the Z4M is definitely more GT even with my tweaks that make it substantially sportier.
What I didn't like about the S was the pedal box position which left me with a dead right leg after two hours, and the high CoG with the supercharger at eye level. When pushing on I was always aware of the lump on top of the heavy iron lump. And while the Toyota V6 isn't bad for what it is, it pales in comparison with the mighty S54.
The Z4M also costs about half that of an NA Evora to buy, so it's not totally apples to apples. A V8 R8 is perhaps a closer comparison in terms of price point at least.
My Evora taught me that on balance I prefer the Porsche philosophy of getting the weight distribution right via boxer engines etc. even though they use inferior McPhersons, versus the Lotus approach of expensive double wishbones but flawed weight distribution, in the V6 supercharged models at least.
I’ve owned a z4m, an Evora na and an Evora s. The z4m is built far better than either lotus. The acceleration is amazing for a car that is/feels so heavy. It’s one of the few cars I regret selling.
The Evoras are more fun though. Much superior handling. And far more special in appearance.
BMW reliability is much superior to the Evora (imo). Running costs though were much lower in the Evora.
If it were me, I’d stick with the Evora.
The Evoras are more fun though. Much superior handling. And far more special in appearance.
BMW reliability is much superior to the Evora (imo). Running costs though were much lower in the Evora.
If it were me, I’d stick with the Evora.
The steering rack is too quick on the Z4M which robs it of some feel. I found it to be an edgy car on UK roads, the springs are way too firm and it never seemed to settle which, given the very sharp throttle, made for spiky handling. A world away from the Evora which you can drive much harder and with more confidence. The engine in the Z4M is its best part.
I’ve owned a string of Porsches and some Loti. One of my current fleet is a 997.2 GT3 RS which supposedly has one of the best hydraulic steering set ups out there. Yeah it’s great. But for me it doesn’t quite match the Evora which has an oily silkiness to it that’s hard to describe to people who haven’t experienced one. I’ve not yet driven a Macca but that would be a good comparison to the Evora in the steering department.
I’ve owned a string of Porsches and some Loti. One of my current fleet is a 997.2 GT3 RS which supposedly has one of the best hydraulic steering set ups out there. Yeah it’s great. But for me it doesn’t quite match the Evora which has an oily silkiness to it that’s hard to describe to people who haven’t experienced one. I’ve not yet driven a Macca but that would be a good comparison to the Evora in the steering department.
Had an Evora NA and currently got a 400. Also done tons of miles in a lot of other interesting things. Only ones I would consider an ‘upgrade’ to the Evora whilst retaining the things that makes it better than nearly everything else (steering, road pliability and usability) are
1. mclaren 12c/570. Very much like an Elise with a lot more power. Amazing chassis compliance too. Whilst I love the 650, 720, 620R etc they are SO fast that they lose out on the usability score for me. Can only use a small bit of them for much of the time if that makes sense
Sadly the Artura just didn’t do it for me as it’s lost a lot of the magic carpet ride
2. Huracan sterrato. Just bonkers fun. The increased ride height gets rid of lift kits and you can just hammer it around. Okay the steering is not even in the same league as the Evora but for stupid fun I don’t think I’ve driven anything in the last 15 years I’ve enjoyed more
I find the steering rack on pretty much all modern Ferraris is so fast it totally removes front end feedback. Just don’t enjoy the experience of driving them. I’ve found nearly the opposite with boxster/cayman/911 - way too much steering needed to do stuff!
As a car to enjoy normal driving as well as planned exciting drives I really struggle to think of anything as good as the Evora
1. mclaren 12c/570. Very much like an Elise with a lot more power. Amazing chassis compliance too. Whilst I love the 650, 720, 620R etc they are SO fast that they lose out on the usability score for me. Can only use a small bit of them for much of the time if that makes sense
Sadly the Artura just didn’t do it for me as it’s lost a lot of the magic carpet ride
2. Huracan sterrato. Just bonkers fun. The increased ride height gets rid of lift kits and you can just hammer it around. Okay the steering is not even in the same league as the Evora but for stupid fun I don’t think I’ve driven anything in the last 15 years I’ve enjoyed more
I find the steering rack on pretty much all modern Ferraris is so fast it totally removes front end feedback. Just don’t enjoy the experience of driving them. I’ve found nearly the opposite with boxster/cayman/911 - way too much steering needed to do stuff!
As a car to enjoy normal driving as well as planned exciting drives I really struggle to think of anything as good as the Evora
Had 5 Evora`s of different models and to answer your question.. a 570S Spyder!
It`s my 3rd Macca (12c/675LT) and the 570S does everything. Limited experience with Ferrari but agree with you and driven various Porkers, the last being a GT4 RS and it is a very fast car but typical Porsche, which for me puts efficiency and performance to the average driver above driving fun, although for some simply going fast is the the fun bit?? I know some will say McLaren put efficiency above drive engagement, but that`s nonsense, the only thing you can accuse some of the models with is a lack of engine drama, but that can be translated into noisy and annoying to some. Think some of the classic Ferrari`s do make a fantastic sound but I'm more than happy with my 570S with the roof down and a sports exhaust, gives the best of all worlds, and I`m afraid to say beats the Evora hands down, but at a cost and the Evora is a brilliant bomb proof GT/Sports car and very hard to beat in the real world.
It`s my 3rd Macca (12c/675LT) and the 570S does everything. Limited experience with Ferrari but agree with you and driven various Porkers, the last being a GT4 RS and it is a very fast car but typical Porsche, which for me puts efficiency and performance to the average driver above driving fun, although for some simply going fast is the the fun bit?? I know some will say McLaren put efficiency above drive engagement, but that`s nonsense, the only thing you can accuse some of the models with is a lack of engine drama, but that can be translated into noisy and annoying to some. Think some of the classic Ferrari`s do make a fantastic sound but I'm more than happy with my 570S with the roof down and a sports exhaust, gives the best of all worlds, and I`m afraid to say beats the Evora hands down, but at a cost and the Evora is a brilliant bomb proof GT/Sports car and very hard to beat in the real world.
I have moved on from Evoras but not much I have tried comes close
For me - Ferrari 360. Go kart like in a way but doesn't have the steering feel of the Evora and in sport the ride is much firmer to the extent its annoying on many UK roads.
Surprisingly though, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is very close in steering feel and ride to the Evora
For me - Ferrari 360. Go kart like in a way but doesn't have the steering feel of the Evora and in sport the ride is much firmer to the extent its annoying on many UK roads.
Surprisingly though, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is very close in steering feel and ride to the Evora
Very pleasing to see some recent responses on this thread, thanks everyone. Interesting view of the Giulia above (I assume Quad) - these always turn my head and such a comparison is significant praise. I need a drive.
Consensus is that it’s Mc or don’t bother then? The ongoing costs here would be too much for me, certainly as a long term prospect anyway. The Evora is used at least twice a week to get my two year old around too. This really adds to the experience.
Consensus is that it’s Mc or don’t bother then? The ongoing costs here would be too much for me, certainly as a long term prospect anyway. The Evora is used at least twice a week to get my two year old around too. This really adds to the experience.
CharlieGee said:
Consensus is that it’s Mc or don’t bother then? The ongoing costs here would be too much for me, certainly as a long term prospect anyway. The Evora is used at least twice a week to get my two year old around too. This really adds to the experience.
I moved from an Evora GT410 Sport to a late model Porsche Cayman GT4 and although I do enjoy the GT4 it's only marginally better than the Evora in some ways and probably short of the Evora in a few others. A friend who has had a few Evora's drove my GT4 and his feedback was that if you could put the drivetrain of the Porsche into the chassis of the Evora you'd have a pretty perfect sports car. He's moved onto a few McLaren's and he's happy with the progression from the Lotus.
CharlieGee said:
Very pleasing to see some recent responses on this thread, thanks everyone. Interesting view of the Giulia above (I assume Quad) - these always turn my head and such a comparison is significant praise. I need a drive.
Consensus is that it’s Mc or don’t bother then? The ongoing costs here would be too much for me, certainly as a long term prospect anyway. The Evora is used at least twice a week to get my two year old around too. This really adds to the experience.
My Giulia is a Veloce TI, so sadly not a Quad but it is my daily driver. I didnt want to go for a Quad because it would be quicker than my Ferrari and potentially take away some of the sense of occasion the Ferrari has. If I was going for 1 car as daily and as a toy, the Quad would probably be at the top of the list.Consensus is that it’s Mc or don’t bother then? The ongoing costs here would be too much for me, certainly as a long term prospect anyway. The Evora is used at least twice a week to get my two year old around too. This really adds to the experience.
My Ferrari replaced my Evora S and ended up trumping the Emira so I cancelled the Emira order. The Evora had better steering than the Ferrari but the Ferrari engine especially over 6000 rpm and general Ferrari "je ne sais quoi" means I prefer the Ferrari (running costs aside)
Gratuitous pics
blueg33 said:
My Giulia is a Veloce TI, so sadly not a Quad but it is my daily driver. I didnt want to go for a Quad because it would be quicker than my Ferrari and potentially take away some of the sense of occasion the Ferrari has. If I was going for 1 car as daily and as a toy, the Quad would probably be at the top of the list.
My Ferrari replaced my Evora S and ended up trumping the Emira so I cancelled the Emira order. The Evora had better steering than the Ferrari but the Ferrari engine especially over 6000 rpm and general Ferrari "je ne sais quoi" means I prefer the Ferrari (running costs aside)
Gratuitous pics
Very interesting, thanks. I’ve admired your Evora before - love the colour.My Ferrari replaced my Evora S and ended up trumping the Emira so I cancelled the Emira order. The Evora had better steering than the Ferrari but the Ferrari engine especially over 6000 rpm and general Ferrari "je ne sais quoi" means I prefer the Ferrari (running costs aside)
Gratuitous pics
Are the steering and suspension bits on the TI and the Quad the same / close? I don’t know enough about them.
I used to own an NA Evora and absolutely adored it. Brilliant car. A couple of mates owned the Z4Ms and to drive they don't really compare, although I do think the engine is better, more characterful, and I think the car itself is better proportioned. Certainly looks better to my eyes but the Evora wins hands down for anything to do with the drive.
I drove a GT4 recently and thought it was brilliant. My expectations was quite low but I was very impressed
I drove a GT4 recently and thought it was brilliant. My expectations was quite low but I was very impressed
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